Lavender, the inspiration for the embellishments.

Lavender, the inspiration for the embellishments.

One of the many plates of crystals used to embellish this dress. There are roughly 2,500 Preciosa crystals on the finished product.

One of the many plates of crystals used to embellish this dress. There are roughly 2,500 Preciosa crystals on the finished product.

Martha of Bethany

Martha’s design was inspired by her devotion and servant-mindedness. Her dress features an organza overlay that is open at the center back, reminiscent of an apron or pinafore. The inner layer of the dress has purple foiled motifs inspired by sprigs of lavender, which are echoed on the organza overlay in the form of carefully placed crystals.

Test embellishment samples for the Martha dress.

Test embellishment samples for the Martha dress.

Wax paper was pinned between the two layers of the dress to keep them from adhering to one another while the crystals were applied.

Wax paper was pinned between the two layers of the dress to keep them from adhering to one another while the crystals were applied.

Why I chose her

Martha is different from the other women I chose in that she represents the more traditional role of homemaker. But this does not tell her whole story. Martha and her sister, Mary, lived with and cared for their brother, Lazarus, who had leprosy. Martha was essentially the head of the household. The Bible describes her as devoted to the work of running their home, a bit of a taskmaster, and a great hostess.